President Donald Trump released a nearly 20-minute farewell video on Wednesday, in which he celebrated his administration’s accomplishments, American values, rallied his America-first movement, and expressed well wishes to the new administration.
“This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck — a very important word,” Trump said at the beginning of his address.
Trump condemned the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol and called for unity.
“Now more than ever, we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor, and forge our common destiny,” he said. “We must never forget that while Americans will always have our disagreements, we are a nation of incredible, decent, faithful, and peace-loving citizens who all want our country to thrive and flourish and be very, very successful and good. We are a truly magnificent nation.”
Trump thanked his family, and Vice President Mike Pence and his family, as well as White House staff, Secret Service, and military personnel and law enforcement, and the American people.
“Most of all, I want to thank the American people. To serve as your President has been an honor beyond description. Thank you for this extraordinary privilege. And that’s what it is — a great privilege and a great honor,” Trump said.
Trump focused on his accomplishments, noting that his administration “achieved more than anyone thought possible.”
He pointed to historic tax cuts and reforms, elimination of “job-killing regulations,” withdrawals from unfair foreign trade deals and accords for weapons, climate, and “historic and monumental tariffs” imposed on China, and the establishment of new agreements with many nations.
Trump also pointed to “the greatest economy in the history of the world” with record-low unemployment for Blacks, Asians, Hispanics, women before the pandemic. He also praised his administration for accomplishing a “medical miracle” by developing and delivering a COVID-19 vaccine in just nine months.
“As I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning,” Trump said. “There’s never been anything like it; the belief that a nation must serve its citizens will not dwindle but instead only grow stronger by the day.”
“As long as the American people hold in their hearts deep and devoted love of country, then there is nothing that this nation cannot achieve,” Trump continued. “Our communities will flourish. Our people will be prosperous. Our traditions will be cherished. Our faith will be strong. And our future will be brighter than ever before.”
Trump concluded his farewell address with, “I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come. Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.”
